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Meeting Date:
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Category:
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Type:
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Subject:
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1. Action on a Recommendation for Renewal of the Instrumentality Charter School Contract with Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes (ALBA) |
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Strategic Plan Compatibility Statement:
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Goal 1 Academic Achievement Goal 2 Student, Family and Community Engagement Goal 3 Effective and Efficient Operations
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Attachments:
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ALBA Renewal Application
ALBA Performance Summary
ALBA Recommendation
ALBA Current Contract |
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File Attachment:
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Background:
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Academia de Lengauje y Bellas Artes (ALBA) was established as an instrumentality charter school beginning with the 2004-2005 school year. The current contract is for up to a maximum of 493 full-time-equivalent (FTE) pupils in Head Start through grade 5. ALBA is located at 1712 S. 32nd Street. Since inception, ALBA has received a five-year contract for each renewal cycle.
ALBA’s mission is founded on the conviction that bilingual students can reach their full potential academically, in English and Spanish, when challenged through a rigorous curriculum that develops critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity through the integration of the fine arts. ALBA’s students will develop self-confidence and self-worth as their Hispanic cultural identity is both recognized and valued through the curriculum.
In August 2018, the Charter School Contract Review Process was initiated by the Department of Contracted School Services. On August 17, 2018, representatives from ALBA submitted the Charter Renewal Intent Cover Sheet, and on September 21, 2018, ALBA submitted its Charter Renewal Application to seek renewal of the charter school contract. As part of its application for renewal, ALBA proposed expanding to include middle-school grades 6-8. More specifically, ALBA proposed adding grade 6 in the 2019-2020 school year, adding grade 7 in the 2020-2021 school year, and adding grade 8 in the 2021-2022 school year.
On November 27, 2018, the Charter School Contract Review Team conducted a full-day site visit at ALBA. The Team examined the school’s performance and met with school representatives to discuss the data relative to contract compliance and renewal. The Team also reviewed any additional responses and information provided by the school as well as by student and parent focus groups.
Based on a thorough review of the school's application and data, school's presentation, and site visit, the Charter School Contract Review Team has recommended a five-year renewal of the instrumentality charter school contract with ALBA. The recommendation was based on strong academic performance, positive school culture, and quality community partnerships. The Superintendent has reviewed the performance summary and concurs with the recommendation for contract renewal and ALBA's request for middle school expansion.
The charter school's renewal application, performance summary data, and Team’s recommendation reviewed by Superintendent are attached to this item. |
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Fiscal Impact Statement:
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Adoption of this item alone does not authorize expenditures. School allocations are approved annually by the Milwaukee Board of School Directors as part of the adoption of the Superintendent’s proposed budget. |
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Implementation and Assessment Plan: |
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Upon the Board’s approval, negotiations will begin between the Superintendent’s designee and representatives of ALBA, in consultation with the Board’s designee and the Office of the City Attorney, in anticipation of developing a renewed charter contract to be presented to the Board. |
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Recommendation
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The Administration recommends that the Board:
1. approve the recommendation of a five year renewal of the instrumentality charter school contract with Academia de Lenguaje y Bellas Artes (ALBA);
2. approve ALBA's proposal to ramp up to middle-school grades by adding grade 6 in the 2019-2020 school year, grade 7 in the 2020-2021 school year, and grade 8 in the 2021-2022 school year; and
3. authorize the Superintendent's designee and representatives of ALBA to enter into negotiations, in consultation with the Board's designee and the Office of the City Attorney, to draft a renewed instrumentality charter school contract with ALBA to begin with the 2019-2020 school year and end with the last regularly scheduled day of the 2023-2024 school year. |
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Approvals:
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Recommended By: |
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Signed By: |
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Bridget Schock - Partnership School Supervisor I |
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Signed By: |
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Lynn Ruhl - Director of Financial Planning and Budget |
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Signed By: |
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Marla Bronaugh - Chief Communications and School Performance Officer |
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Signed By: |
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Keith Posley, Ed.D. - Superintendent |
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